Flewellane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Flewellane surname is derived from the Welshpersonal name Llewellyn, which was also spelled Llywelin. This name is often explained as meaning lion-like, but is in fact probably derived from the Welsh word "llyw," which means leader. The Welsh double l was a constant source of trouble to English speakers, and was often translated "f." "A very ancient Welshpersonal name, borne by many princes and magnates of Celtic origin." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Lowe, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.

Early Origins of the Flewellane family

The surname Flewellane was first found in Pembrokeshire (Welsh: Sir Benfro), a county in south-west Wales, anciently part of the Welsh kingdom of Deheubarth. The most famous and oldest reference of the name was Dafydd ap Llywelyn (c.1212-1246), Prince of Gwynedd from 1240 to 1246, the first ruler to claim the title Prince of Wales. His father was Llywelyn the Great (Welsh: Llywelyn Fawr) (c. 1172-1240), Prince of Gwynedd in north Wales who eventually became ruler over most of Wales. "Davydd ab Llewelyn died at Aber, about 1246, and was buried in the abbey of Conway." [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales. Institute of Historical Research, 1849, Print.

Over in Aberedow, South Wales "Llewelyn's Cave, is said to have been occasionally used as an asylum by that brave, but unfortunate, prince, Llewelyn ab Grufydd, the last royal defender of Welsh liberty and independence, against the overpowering army of Edward I." [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Wales. Institute of Historical Research, 1849, Print.

Early History of the Flewellane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Flewellane research.Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1500, 1380 and 1415 are included under the topic Early Flewellane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Flewellane Spelling Variations

Although there are not an extremely large number Welsh surnames, there are an inordinately large number of spelling variations of those surnames. This variety of spellings began almost immediately after the acceptance of surnames within Welsh society. As time progressed, these old Brythonic names were eventually were recorded in English. This process was problematic in that many of the highly inflected sounds of the native language of Wales could not be properly captured in English. Some families, however, did decide to modify their own names to indicate a branch loyalty within the family, a religious adherence, or even a patriotic affiliation. The name Flewellane has seen various spelling variations: Flewelling, Flewellen, Llewellen, Llewillan, Llewellyn, Alewellyin, Flewellyn, Flywillan, Fleuellan, Llewallin, Llewallyn, Flewellan, Flewellin, Llewellan, Lewellin, Lewellen, Lewillan, Lewellyn, Lywellen, Lywellin, Lewallin and many more.

Early Notables of the Flewellane family (pre 1700)

Prominent amongst the family during the late Middle Ages was Sir Dafydd ap Llewelyn ap Hywel (c. 1380-1415), better known as Dafydd Gam or Davy Gam, a Welsh medieval... Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Flewellane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Flewellane family to the New World and Oceana

In the 1800s and 1900s, many Welsh families left for North America, in search of land, work, and freedom. Those who made the trip successfully helped contribute to the growth of industry, commerce, and the cultural heritage of both Canada and the United States. In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Flewellane Ann Flewelling who purchased land in Virginia in 1643 and in the same year Thomas Flewelling settled in a nearby piece of property.